independence day

crossing his arms over his chest,
he feels his heart
beat names with rightful claim.
he keeps what belongs to others.

then he drags on a cigarette,
feels his chest burn,
lifts a beer, drinks deeply
and thinks whatever he wants,
as wrong as it may be,
as dangerous as it must be,
as funny as it can be,
for as long as he wants.

tired, aching, and sore,
he lingers on the porch
until he feels free.